Banner image showing Special Assistance team member handing sunflower lanyard to passenger Banner image showing Special Assistance team member handing sunflower lanyard to passenger

Parking and forecourt access

Advice for people working at the airport on forecourt and parking access

Advice for people working at the airport

Please note: this section contains advice for people working at the airport. Passenger use of our drop-off areas is covered here.

Forecourt access

Colleagues can only be picked up or dropped off for work in drop-off zones in the North Terminal and South Terminal. 

Most vehicles will be charged £6 to use these areas for up to 10 minutes, but certain exemptions apply: 

Blue Badge holders who work at the airport may use short-stay car parks. Permits issued by Gatwick Airport Ltd must be displayed. Passengers with Blue Badges can apply for free access on our website.

  1. Airport ID pass holders can apply for free drop-off and pick-up for work. Terms and conditions apply. 

Contractors working on specific projects should apply for free forecourt use at the time they apply for their permit to work. Please get further advice from our Contractor Support Centre on 01293 501439 or via email

Couriers making airport deliveries need to book a slot with Gatwick Direct to access the service tunnels. Bookings can be made via email or telephone at 01293 502325. 

Operations colleagues will need prior clearance to regularly use the drop-off zones. Please email us your vehicle registration(s) and your reason(s) for needing access. A decision will be made within seven working days.

Red routes

Red routes—no stopping zones—now exist throughout the airport road network. Vehicles recorded stopping, loading or unloading on these red routes may be subject to an enforcement charge. 

Only liveried vehicles may enter red routes. This may be required when accessing the following areas: 

  • South Terminal: Ashdown House, Atlantic House, Station Approach Road or when exiting the coach park. 
  • North Terminal: the car rental area where the exit takes drivers into the lead-up to the forecourt onto a red route.